RIDING 



should be taken in the left hand, the rider taking his position 

 on the near side of the horse alongside the withers, and with 

 his face towards the tail, the stirrup leather having been 

 previously twisted so that the flat of the iron is towards him. 

 Then he should place his foot in the stirrup by the help of 

 his right hand and take hold of the mane near the withers 

 with his left one, after which he should turn round so as to 

 face the saddle and take hold of the cantle of the latter with 

 his right hand. This assists him in raising himself from 

 the ground, but in passing his right leg over the horse's back, 

 the rider should be careful not to touch the animal with 

 his foot, especially if he wears spurs, which no novice should 



OFF SHAffLE 



oTfTurb 

 near curb 



NEAR 5NArn.C 



Single rein. 



Way to hold the reins. 



Double rein. 



ever do. If the bridle is a single one the reins should be 

 held so that they are divided by the second and third fingers 

 of the left hand ; if a double one, the third finger should 

 divide the curb reins, and the second, third, and fourth, the 

 snaffle reins. The latter should be pulled tight by the right 

 hand, but the curb should be left slack. The balls of the 

 feet should rest upon the stirrup, the practice indulged in by 

 some people of riding with their feet well home so that their 

 ankles come in contact with the top of the stirrup being 

 unsightly, and dangerous in case of a fall, and the feet should 

 be carried with the toes only very slightly pointed outwards. 

 The elbows should be kept close to the sides, the left hand 

 which holds the reins being turned inwards and with the 

 knuckles slightly upwards, almost touching the pommel of 



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